U.S. patent application number 12/395754 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for bicycle shifting control apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shimano Inc.. Invention is credited to Kazuhiro FUJII, Masahiko FUKUDA, Tadashi ICHIDA, Takumi ONOGI, Ryuichiro TAKAMOTO, Haruyuki TAKEBAYASHI.
Application Number | 20100218633 12/395754 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40911673 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100218633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ICHIDA; Tadashi ; et
al. |
September 2, 2010 |
BICYCLE SHIFTING CONTROL APPARATUS
Abstract
A bicycle shifting control apparatus controls an electrical
power supplied from a power supply to first and second gear
shifting devices that are operated by first and second gear shift
operating devices, respectively. The bicycle shifting control
apparatus includes a first power supply sensor and a controller.
The first power supply sensor detects a power level of the power
supply. The controller receives a power level signal from the first
power supply sensor. The controller performs a stopping operation
of the first gear shifting device in response to the first power
supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being
below a first prescribed power level, but the controller transmits
a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift operating
device to the second gear shifting device to perform a second
shifting operation of the second gear shifting device.
Inventors: |
ICHIDA; Tadashi; (Ikoma,
JP) ; ONOGI; Takumi; (Osaka, JP) ; FUJII;
Kazuhiro; (Osaka, JP) ; FUKUDA; Masahiko;
(Amagasaki, JP) ; TAKEBAYASHI; Haruyuki; (Osaka,
JP) ; TAKAMOTO; Ryuichiro; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Assignee: |
Shimano Inc.
Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
40911673 |
Appl. No.: |
12/395754 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
74/473.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 74/2003 20150115;
B62M 25/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
74/473.12 |
International
Class: |
B62M 9/12 20060101
B62M009/12 |
Claims
1. A bicycle shifting control apparatus for controlling an
electrical power supplied from a power supply to first and second
gear shifting devices that are operated by first and second gear
shift operating devices, respectively, the bicycle shifting control
apparatus comprising: a first power supply sensor that detects a
power level of the power supply; and a controller operatively
coupled to the first power supply sensor to receive a power level
signal from the first power supply sensor, the controller stopping
an operation of the first gear shifting device by the first gear
shift operating device in response to the first power supply sensor
detecting the power level of the power supply being below a first
prescribed power level, but the controller transmits a second gear
shift signal from the second gear shift operating device to the
second gear shifting device to perform a second shifting operation
of the second gear shifting device.
2. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the controller stops operation of the second shifting
device by the second shift operating device in response the power
level of the power supply being below a second prescribed power
level that is lower than the first prescribed power level.
3. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the controller sets the second prescribed power level to a
value that stops operation of both of the first and second gear
shifting devices prior to complete discharge of the power supply
when the power level of the power supply is below the second
prescribed power level.
4. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising a second power supply sensor detecting the power
being supplied by the power supply.
5. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the controller includes a first microcomputer associated
with the first gear shifting device and a second microcomputer
associated with the second gear shifting device, with operation of
the first gear shift operating device transmitting a first gear
shift signal to the first microcomputer but the first microcomputer
does not operate the first gear shifting device when the power
level of the power supply is below the first prescribed power
level, and with operation of the second gear shift operating device
transmitting a second gear shift signal to the second
microcomputer.
6. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the controller further includes a control unit operatively
disposed between the first and second gear shift operating devices
and the first and second gear shifting devices with the control
unit receiving the first and second gear shift signals from the
first and second gear shift operating devices, respectively, and
transmitting the first and second gear shift signals to the first
and second microcomputers, respectively.
7. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the controller stops operation of the second gear shifting
device by the second gear shift operating device in response to the
power level of the power supply being below a second prescribed
power level that is lower than the first prescribed power level by
the second microcomputer not operating the second gear shifting
device.
8. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the controller includes a control unit, a first
microcomputer associated with the first gear shifting device and a
second microcomputer associated with the second gear shifting
device, with the control unit transmitting a first gear shift
signal to the first microcomputer in response to operation of the
first gear shift operating device when the power level of the power
supply is above the first prescribed power level and stopping
transmission of the first gear shift signal to the first
microcomputer when the power level of the power supply is below the
first prescribed power level.
9. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 8,
wherein the controller stops operation of the second gear shifting
device by the second gear shift operating device in response to the
power level of the power supply being below a second prescribed
power level that is lower than the first prescribed power level by
stopping transmission of the second gear shift signal from the
control unit to the second microcomputer.
10. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the controller receives transmission of a first gear shift
signal from the first gear shift operating device in response to
operation of the first gear shift operating device when the power
level of the power supply is above the first prescribed power
level, and the controller disrupts transmission of the first gear
shift signal to the controller when the power level of the power
supply is below the first prescribed power level.
11. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 10,
wherein the controller stops operation of the second gear shifting
device by the second gear shift operating device in response to the
power level of the power supply being below a second prescribed
power level that is lower than the first prescribed power level by
stopping transmission of the second gear shift signal from the
second gear shift operating device to the controller.
12. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the controller stops supplying power to the first gear
shift operating device when the power level of the power supply is
below the first prescribed power level.
13. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein the controller stops operation of the second gear shifting
device by the second gear shift operating device in response to the
power level of the power supply being below a second prescribed
power level that is lower than the first prescribed power level by
stopping power to the second gear shift operating device.
14. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the controller stops supplying power to the first gear
shifting device when the power level of the power supply is below
the first prescribed power level.
15. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 14,
wherein the controller stops operation of the second gear shifting
device by the second gear shift operating device in response to the
power level of the power supply being below a second prescribed
power level that is lower than the first prescribed power level by
stopping power to the second gear shifting device.
16. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the first gear shifting device requires more electrical
power to operate than an amount of electrical power needed to
operate the second gear shifting device.
17. The bicycle shifting control apparatus according to claim 1,
wherein the first gear shifting device is a front gear shifting
device, and the second gear shifting device is a rear gear shifting
device.
18. A bicycle shifting method comprising: detecting a power level
of a power supply that supplies electrical energy to operate an
electric first gear shifting device in response to operation of a
first gear shift operating device, and that supplies electrical
energy to operate an electric second gear shifting device in
response to operation of a second gear shift operating device; and
stopping the electrical energy from being supplied to the first
gear shifting device in response to operation of the first gear
shift operating device upon detecting the power level of the power
supply is below a first prescribed power level, while still
transmitting a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift
operating device to the second gear shifting device to perform a
second shifting operation in the second gear shifting device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to a bicycle shifting
control apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates
to a bicycle shifting control apparatus that controls an electrical
power supplied from a power supply to first and second gear
shifting devices that are operated by first and second gear shift
operating devices, respectively.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of
recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover,
bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both
amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for
recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is
constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. In
particular, the bicycle transmission has been significantly changed
over the years.
[0005] Recently, bicycle transmissions have been equipped with
electrical components to make riding easier and more enjoyable for
the rider. Some bicycles are equipped with electrically controlled
shifting systems. In particular, in theses electrically controlled
shifting systems, front and rear gear shift operating devices are
typically provided on the bicycle handlebar to operate front and
rear gear shifting devices (e.g., motorized derailleurs). The front
and rear gear shifting devices (e.g., motorized derailleurs) are
provided with electric motors that move their respective chain
guides laterally to shift the bicycle chain between the various
gears for obtaining a desired gear position. Typically, bicycles
equipped with electrically controlled shifting systems are also
provided with an electrical power supply such as a battery or a
generator. One example of an electrically controlled shifting
system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,144,027, which is assigned
to Shimano, Inc.
[0006] In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled
in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an
improved bicycle shifting control apparatus. This invention
addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle
shifting control apparatus that stops the operation of a first gear
shifting device when a power supply level falls below a first
prescribed power level, but permits operation of a second gear
shift operating device.
[0008] According to one aspect, a bicycle shifting control
apparatus is provided for controlling an electrical power supplied
from a power supply to first and second gear shifting devices that
are operated by first and second gear shift operating devices,
respectively. The bicycle shifting control apparatus comprises a
first power supply sensor and a controller. The first power supply
sensor detects a power level of the power supply. The controller is
operatively coupled to the first power supply sensor to receive a
power level signal from the first power supply sensor. The
controller stops operation of the first gear shifting device by the
first gear shift operating device in response to the first power
supply sensor detecting the power level of the power supply being
below a first prescribed power level, but the controller transmits
a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift operating
device to the second gear shifting device to perform a second
shifting operation of the second gear shifting device.
[0009] These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of
the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the
art from the following detailed description, which, taken in
conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred
embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle that is
equipped with a bicycle shifting control apparatus in accordance
with one embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the handlebar area of the
bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1, with a pair of gear shift operating
devices mounted to a straight type handlebar;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing one example of a
derailleur type of drive train including front and rear derailleurs
(i.e., gear shifting devices), front and rear sprockets and a chain
that is used in the bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram showing the entire
configuration of the bicycle shifting control apparatus; and
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control processing
executed by the controller of the bicycle shifting control
apparatus.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0016] Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be
explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to
those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the following
descriptions of the embodiments of the present invention are
provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting
the invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
[0017] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle 10 is illustrated
that is equipped with a bicycle shifting control apparatus in
accordance with a first embodiment. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
bicycle shifting control apparatus basically includes a left hand
side shifter 12, a right hand side shifter 14, a motorized front
derailleur 16 (FD), a motorized rear derailleur 18 (RD) and a main
control unit 20. Basically, in order to shift gears, the
derailleurs 16 and 18 are operated to move a chain 22 laterally
with respect to a bicycle frame 24 in response to operation of the
shifters 12 and 14. The bicycle shifting control apparatus is also
provided with a power supply or battery 26 for supplying electrical
power to the derailleurs 16 and 18 and the main control unit 20.
Optionally, the bicycle shifting control apparatus is also provided
with a display unit 28 that can be part of the main control unit 20
or a separate member that is electrically connected to the main
control unit 20. Other than the bicycle shifting control apparatus,
as explained below, the bicycle 10 can be any type of bicycle.
Thus, the parts of the bicycle 10 will not be discussed herein,
except for those parts that will assist in the understating of the
bicycle shifting control apparatus.
[0018] As diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3, the drive train
of the bicycle 10 includes a set of front sprockets F1 to F3
mounted to the crank axle in a conventional manner, and a set of
rear sprockets R1 to R7 mounted to the rear axle of the rear wheel
in a conventional manner. The chain 22 operatively coupled between
the rear sprockets R1 to R7 and the front sprockets F1 to F3 in a
conventional manner. The shifters 12 and 14 are operated by the
rider in order to control movement (e.g., perform gear shifting
operations) of the front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18 with
respect to the front sprockets F1 to F3 and the rear sprockets R1
to R7, respectively. Since the drive train is conventional, the
drive train will not be discussed in more detail herein. Moreover,
the bicycle shifting control apparatus is not limited to a
derailleur type drive train. Rather, it will be apparent from this
disclosure that the bicycle shifting control apparatus can be used
with other types of drive trains that use electric gear shifting
devices.
[0019] As seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the left hand side shifter 12 is a
front electronic shifter that is a pushbutton-type switching
member. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that
other types of electronic shifters can be used as needed and/or
desired. The left hand side shifter 12 is preferably provided with
a front derailleur upshift switch 12a, a front derailleur downshift
switch 12b and a first mode switch 12c. These switches 12a to 12c
are push button type switches that are operatively coupled to the
main control unit 20. The shifting switches 12a and 12b constitute
an input part for inputting gear shift commands and calibration
commands, while the switch 12c constitutes an input part for
inputting mode commands. The front derailleur upshift 12a is
normally used for upshifting the front derailleur 16, while the
front derailleur downshift switch 12b is normally used for
downshifting the rear derailleur 16. The mode switch 12c is used to
change the switches 12a and 12b from a shifting mode to other modes
including, but not limited to, a calibration mode for calibrating
gear positions of the front derailleur 16.
[0020] Still referring to FIG. 2, the right hand side shifter 14 is
a rear electronic shifter that is a pushbutton-type switching
member. Of course, it will be apparent from this disclosure that
other types of electronic shifters can be used as needed and/or
desired. The right hand side shifter 14 is preferably provided with
a rear derailleur upshift switch 14a, a rear derailleur downshift
switch 14b and a second mode switch 14c. These switches 14a to 14c
are push button type switches that are operatively coupled to the
main control unit 20. The shifting switches 14a and 14b constitute
an input part for inputting gear shift commands and calibration
commands, while the switch 14c constitutes an input part for
inputting mode commands. The rear derailleur upshift switch 14a is
normally used for upshifting the rear derailleur 18, while the rear
derailleur downshift switch 14b is normally used for downshifting
the rear derailleur 18. The mode switch 14c is used to change the
switches 14a and 14b from a shifting mode to other modes including,
but not limited to, a calibration mode for calibrating gear
positions of the rear derailleur 18.
[0021] As seen in FIG. 1, the front derailleur 16 is mounted to a
seat tube of the frame 24, while the rear derailleur 18 is mounted
to a rear portion of a chain stay of the frame 24. The front and
rear derailleurs 16 and 18 are configured such that they can be
controlled electrically by the shifters 12 and 14, respectively.
The front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18 can be conventional
electronic derailleurs that have been adapted for the bicycle
shifting control apparatus as disclosed herein.
[0022] Preferably, the front derailleur 16 includes a motor 30, a
motor driver 32, a voltage sensor 34, a FD microcomputer 36 and an
operating position sensor 38. The motor 30 is a reversible motor
that is configured and arranged to drive the front derailleur 16
(i.e., the move the chain guide of the front derailleur 16
laterally with respect to the frame 24). The motor driver 32 is
configured and arranged to drive the motor 30 in response to
control signals from the FD microcomputer 36. The motor driver 32
includes motor drivers and deceleration units for driving and
decelerating the rotation of the motor 30. The FD microcomputer 36
is configured and arranged to control the motor driver 32 in
response to a shift signal from the shifter 12 via the main control
unit 20. The FD microcomputer 36 includes control circuits with
CPUs, storage units, computation units, and the like. The FD
microcomputer 36 also includes software that controls the motor 30
in accordance with shift signals outputted from the shifter 12. The
voltage sensor 34 detects the voltage level or power level of the
electricity being supplied to the motor 30 from the power supply
26. The position sensor 38 is configured and arranged to control
and sense the gearshift position of the front derailleur 16 with
respect to the front sprockets F1 to F3. The position sensor 38 is
a sensor that uses rotary encoders or the like, for example, to
sense the shifted positions of the front derailleur 16.
[0023] Similarly, the rear derailleur 18 preferably includes a
motor 40, a motor driver 42, a voltage sensor 44, a RD
microcomputer 46 and an operating position sensor 48. The motor 40
is a reversible motor that is configured and arranged to drive the
rear derailleur 18 (i.e., the move the chain guide of the rear
derailleur 18 laterally with respect to the frame 24). The motor
driver 42 is configured and arranged to drive the motor 40 in
response to control signals from the RD microcomputer 46. The motor
driver 42 includes motor drivers and deceleration units for driving
and decelerating the rotation of the motor 40. The RD microcomputer
46 is configured and arranged to control the motor driver 42 in
response to a shift signal from the shifter 14 via the main control
unit 20. The RD microcomputer 46 includes control circuits with
CPUs, storage units, computation units, and the like. The RD
microcomputer 46 also includes software that controls the motor 40
in accordance with shift signals outputted from the shifter 14. The
voltage sensor 44 detects the voltage level or power level of the
electricity being supplied to the motor 40 from the power supply
26. Normally, the voltage sensor 44 is not used unless power is cut
off to the front derailleur 16. Rather, the detection result by the
voltage sensor 34 is normally sent to the RD microcomputer 46.
However, if the RD microcomputer 46 does not receive the detection
result from the voltage sensor 34, then the RD microcomputer 46
determines that the voltage sensor 44 is broken or the power has
been cut off to the front derailleur 16. Thus, if the voltage
sensor 44 is broken or the power has been cut off to the front
derailleur 16, then the detection result from the voltage sensor 44
is transmitted to the main control unit 20 and the FD microcomputer
36. The position sensor 48 is configured and arranged to control
and sense the gearshift position of the rear derailleur 18 with
respect to the rear sprockets R1 to R7. The position sensor 48 is a
sensor that uses rotary encoders or the like, for example, to sense
the shifted positions of the rear derailleur 18.
[0024] The shifter 12 constitutes a first or front gear shift
operating device, while the shifter 14 constitutes a second or rear
gear shift operating device. The motorized front derailleur 16
constitutes a first or front gear shifting device, while the
motorized rear derailleur 18 constitutes a second or rear gear
shifting device. Of course, the uses of "first" and "second" in
referring to the parts of the bicycle shifting control apparatus
are merely labels that can be reversed with respect to the various
parts including, but not limited to, the shifters 12 and 14 and the
derailleurs 16 and 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the motorized
front derailleur 16 (i.e., the first or front gear shifting device)
requires more electrical power to operate than an amount of
electrical power needed to operate the motorized rear derailleur 18
(i.e., the second or rear gear shifting device). The derailleur's
16 and 18 (i.e., tie gear shifting devices) are external
transmission devices in the illustrated embodiment. However, the
gear shifting devices can be either internal or external
transmission devices as needed and/or desired.
[0025] The parts of the derailleurs 16 and 18, the shifters 12 and
14, the main control unit 20 and the display unit 28 are supplied
with electrical power from the power supply 26 mounted on the frame
24, as shown in FIG. 1. Specifically, the power supply 26 has a
power supply line 50 and a grounding wire 51 that are electrically
coupled to the derailleurs 16 and 18, the shifters 12 and 14, the
main control unit 20 and the display unit 28. A power supply
voltage V of about 6 to 8.4 volts (DC) is preferably supplied to
these components.
[0026] Furthermore, the gearshift position signals POS of the front
and rear position sensors 38 and 48 are output to the main control
unit 20 via a position signal line 53. In the main control unit 20,
the gearshift position signals POS are converted into display
signals, and the gearshift positions of the front and rear
derailleurs 16 and 18 are displayed by the display unit 28. Voltage
data (VD: e.g., three stages of voltage data) is also output to the
position signal line 53. Furthermore, the gearshift signals U/S
(upshift) and D/S (downshift) are output from the main control unit
20 in accordance with the operation of the switching members 12a,
12b, 14a and 14b of the shifters 12 and 14 to the front and rear
derailleurs 16 and 18 by the respective gearshift signal lines 54
and 55. In actual practice, the gearshift signal line 55 of the
gearshift signal RDS is connected to the rear derailleur 18 via the
front derailleur 16. Accordingly, the front derailleur 16 is
connected to the main control unit 20 via five-core wiring, e.g.,
via the down tube, and the rear derailleur 18 is connected to the
front derailleur 16 via four-core wiring, e.g., via the chain stay.
Accordingly, a connector that connects all of the five-core wiring
can be disposed in the front derailleur 16.
[0027] The main control unit 20 is operatively disposed between the
shifters 12 and 14 (e.g., the first and second gear shift operating
devices) and the front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18 (e.g., the
first and second gear shifting devices) with the main control unit
20 receiving the front (first) and rear (second) gear shift signals
from the shifters 12 and 14 (e.g., the first and second gear shift
operating devices), respectively, and transmitting the front
(first) and rear (second) gear shift signals to the first and
second microcomputers 36 and 46 of the front and rear derailleurs
16 and 18, respectively.
[0028] The main control unit 20 includes a microcomputer 60 that
cooperates with the microcomputers 36 and 46 of the front and rear
derailleurs 16 and 18 to control the shifting of the front and rear
derailleurs 16 and 18. The microcomputer 60 of includes other a
central processing unit (CPU) and other conventional components
such as an input interface circuit, an output interface circuit,
and storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) device and a
RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The microcomputer 60 with a
manual shift control program and an auto-shift control program. The
manual shift control program provides for manually shifting the
front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18 via the shifters 12 and 14
when a manual shifting mode is selected. The auto-shift control
program provides for automatically controlling the shifting the
front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18 when an automatic shifting
mode is selected. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art
from this disclosure that the precise structure and algorithms for
the main control unit 20 can be any combination of hardware and
software that will carry out the functions of the present
invention.
[0029] The microcomputer 60 of the main control unit 20 and the
microcomputers 36 and 46 of the front and rear derailleurs 16 and
18 together constitute a bicycle shifting controller of the bicycle
shifting control apparatus. In other words, the bicycle shifting
controller includes the FD microcomputer 36 as a first
microcomputer that is associated with the front derailleur 16
(e.g., the first gear shifting device) and the RD microcomputer 46
as a second microcomputer associated with the rear derailleur 18
(e.g., the second gear shifting device). The bicycle shifting
controller of the bicycle shifting control apparatus is operatively
coupled to the voltage sensors 34 and 44 (e.g., the power supply
sensors) to receive a power level signal from the voltage sensors
34 and 44, in which the power level signal is indicative of a
current power (voltage) lever of the power supply 26. The detection
results of the voltage sensors 34 and 44 are sent to each of the
microcomputer 60 of the main control unit 20 and the microcomputers
36 and 46 of the front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18. However,
normally, only the detection results of one of the voltage sensors
34 and 44 is used or sent at a time as discussed above.
[0030] While three separate microcomputers are used to form the
bicycle shifting controller of the bicycle shifting control
apparatus in this illustrated embodiment, fewer or more
microcomputers can be utilized as needed and or desired. In other
words, the microcomputers 36 and 46 of the front and rear
derailleurs 16 and 18 can be eliminated and their functions and
operations can be combined into the microcomputer of the main
control unit 20 as needed and/or desired.
[0031] The bicycle shifting controller is programmed to control the
supply of power to the front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18 so that
the front derailleur 16 is stopped and the rear derailleur 18 is
maintained movable when power of the power supply 26 (i.e., the
storage element) dropped to an undesirable level (i.e., below a
first prescribed power level), and both the front and rear
derailleurs 16 and 18 are stopped when power of the power supply 26
(i.e., the storage element) dropped to below a second prescribed
power level. When the power of the power supply 26 drops below the
second prescribed power level, the bicycle shifting controller is
programmed to move the rear derailleur 18 to a predetermined gear
(e.g., second gear, third gear, etc.) as needed and or desired.
[0032] Energy to move the front derailleur 16 is larger than energy
to move the rear derailleur 18. Therefore when the power of the
power supply 26 drops, at first below the first prescribed power
level, the front derailleur 16 is stopped. In other words, the
bicycle shifting controller judges power (storage) level of the
power supply 20, if the voltage sensor 34 and/or 44 detects the
power level (e.g., the voltage) is lower than the first prescribed
power level, then the bicycle shifting controller stops the front
gear shifting, with keeping the rear gear shifting is movable.
Thus, when power of the power supply 26 drops below the first
prescribed power level, and the rider commands front gear shifting
using one of the front shifting switches 12a and 12b, the front
derailleur 16 will not move. However, the rear derailleur 16 is
able to move accordance with rear shifting signal from the rear
shifting switches 14a and 14b. As a result, the power of the power
supply 26 is saved, so that the rider can shift gears using the
rear derailleur 18 for more long time. Further, if the front
derailleur 16 is stopped, the rider can know that the power of the
power supply 26 is dropping. Hereby the rider can reduce times of
shift gear for saving energy.
[0033] As mentioned above, the bicycle shifting controller stops
operation of the front derailleur 16 (e.g., the first gear shifting
device) by the front shifter 12 (e.g., the first gear shift
operating device) in response to the voltage sensor 34 (e.g., the
first power supply sensor) detecting the power level of the power
supply being below a first prescribed power level, but the bicycle
shifting controller transmits a rear (second) gear shift signal
from the rear shifter 14 (e.g., the second gear shift operating
device) to the rear derailleur 18 (e.g., the second gear shifting
device) to perform a rear (second) shifting operation of the rear
derailleur 18 (e.g., the second gear shifting device). There are
several ways that the bicycle shifting controller can stop the
supply of power from the power supply 26 to the front derailleur
16.
[0034] A first control method performed by the bicycle shifting
controller is conducted by the FD microcomputer 36 of the front
derailleur 16. In particular, when the FD microcomputer 36 of the
front derailleur 16 receives a front shifting signal from the main
control unit 20, and the FD microcomputer 36 does not operate the
motor driver 32 and the motor 30 even though a front shifting
signal has been received by the FD microcomputer 36. A second
control method performed by the bicycle shifting controller is
conducted by the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20. In
particular, when the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20
receives a front shifting signal from one of the front shifting
switches 12a and 12b, the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit
20 does not output the front shifting signal to the FD
microcomputer 36 of the front derailleur 16, even though a front
shifting signal has been received by the microcomputer 60 in the
main control unit 20. A third control method performed by the
bicycle shifting controller is conducted by the microcomputer 60 in
the main control unit 20 in which the microcomputer 60 in the main
control unit 20 stops receiving front shifting signals from the
front shifting switches 12a and 12b, even though the front shifting
switches 12a and 12b are operated. A fourth control method
performed by the bicycle shifting controller is conducted by the
microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20 ill which the
microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20 stops the supply of
power to the front shifter 12. A fifth control method performed by
the bicycle shifting controller is conducted by the microcomputer
60 in the main control unit 20 in which the microcomputer 60 in the
main control unit 20 stops the supply of power to the front
derailleur 16.
[0035] While two voltage sensors 34 and 44 are used in the
illustrated embodiment of the bicycle shifting control apparatus as
the power level sensors, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from this disclosure that the location of a power level
sensor is not limited to the front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18.
Rather, the power level sensor can be located in other locations
such as at the power supply 26. Also as mentioned above, normally,
the voltage sensor 44 is not used unless power is cut off to the
front derailleur 16. Rather, the detection result by the voltage
sensor 34 is normally sent to the RD microcomputer 46. However, if
the RD microcomputer 46 does not receive the detection result from
the voltage sensor 34, then the RD microcomputer 46 determines that
the voltage sensor 44 is broken or the power has been cut off to
the front derailleur 16. Thus, if the voltage sensor 44 is broken
or the power has been cut off to the front derailleur 16, then the
detection result from the voltage sensor 44 is transmitted to the
main control unit 20 and the FD microcomputer 36. If the RD
microcomputer 46 and the main control unit 20 start receiving the
detection result signal from the voltage sensor 34 again, the
microcomputers 36 and 46 and the main control unit 20 will operate
according with the detection result of the voltage sensor 34.
[0036] As mentioned above, if the power of the power supply 26
drops further below the second prescribed power level threshold,
not only the front derailleur 16 but also the rear derailleur 18 is
stopped. In other words, the bicycle shifting controller stops
operation of the rear derailleur 18 (e.g., the second gear shifting
device) by the rear shifter 14 (e.g., the second gear shift
operating device) in response the power level of the power supply
26 being below the second prescribed power level that is lower than
the first prescribed power level. Thus, the bicycle shifting
controller sets the second prescribed power level to a value that
stops operation of both of the front and rear derailleurs 16 and 18
(e.g., the first and second gear shifting devices) prior to
complete discharge of the power supply 26 (e.g., the electrical
energy storage device) when the power level of the power supply 26
is below the second prescribed power level. In this way, over
discharge of the power supply 26 is restrained. The RD
microcomputer 46 receives the detection result from the voltage
sensor 34 (if working) or the voltage sensor 44, and then the
bicycle shifting controller judges the power (storage) level of the
power supply 26. If detected the power level is lower than the
second prescribed power level threshold, then the bicycle shifting
controller stops the rear gear shifting. With respect to stopping
rear shifting, it is similar stopping the front shifting, and thus,
the five control method performed by the bicycle shifting
controller for stopping the front shifting can also be used for
stopping rear shifting. In other words, the stopping rear shifting
can be accomplished by: (1) the RD microcomputer 46 not operating
the motor driver 42 and the motor 40 even though a rear shifting
signal has been received by the RD microcomputer 46; (2) the
microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20 not outputting the
rear shifting signal to the RD microcomputer 46 of the rear
derailleur 18, even though a rear shifting signal has been received
by the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20; (3) the
microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20 stopping the
transmission of the rear shifting signals from the rear shifting
switches 14a and 14b, even though the rear shifting switches 14a
and 14b are operated; (4) the microcomputer 60 in the main control
unit 20 stopping the supply of power to the rear shifter 14; and
(5) the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20 stopping the
supply of power to the rear derailleur 18.
[0037] Preferably, the display unit 28 indicates the current
voltage or power level to the rider. The display unit 28 includes
at least one LED to the current voltage or power level to the
rider. As the voltage level of the power supply 26 decreases, the
emitting pattern of the LED or emitting color of the LED is changed
by the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20. For example,
the following table illustrates one example of the power level
indication to the rider.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Power (Voltage) Level FD & RD Status LED
Emitting Status 4 FD & RD Both Movable Constant Green Light 3
FD & RD Both Movable Flashing Green Light 2 FD & RD Both
Movable Constant Red Light 1 Only RD Movable Constant Red Light 0
FD & RD Both Stopped Flashing Red Light
[0038] Turning now to the flow chart of FIG. 5, the bicycle
shifting controller (i.e., the main control unit 20, the FD
microcomputer 36 and the RD microcomputer 46) conducts the process
on a continuous basis every at prescribed time intervals once the
main control unit is turned "on" which results in power being
supplied to the shifters 12 and 14 and the front and rear
derailleurs 16 and 18.
[0039] In step S1, the all of the previous detected values and/or
flags are cleared from memory. Then the process proceeds to step
S2.
[0040] In step S2, the power (voltage) level of the power supply 26
is read from the voltage sensor 34 and/or 44. The power (voltage)
level is then transmitted to the microcomputer 60 in the main
control unit 20, the FD microcomputer 36 and the RD microcomputer
46. Then the process proceeds to step S3.
[0041] In step S3, the bicycle shifting controller determines if
the power (voltage) level of the power supply 26 is below the first
prescribed power level. If the power (voltage) level is below the
first prescribed power level, then the process proceeds to step S4
where the front derailleur 16 is stopped. However, in step S3, if
the bicycle shifting controller determines the power (voltage)
level of the power supply 26 is not below the first prescribed
power level, then the process returns to the beginning to start
again at the next prescribed time interval.
[0042] As mentioned above, there are at least five different
methods for continuing operation of the front derailleur 16 or for
stopping the front derailleur 16 in step S3. A first control method
is performed by the operations of the shifting switches 12a and 12b
(e.g., the first gear shift operating device) transmitting a first
or front gear shift signal to the FD microcomputer 36 (i.e., NO in
step S3), but the FD microcomputer 36 does not operate the front
derailleur 16 (e.g., the first gear shifting device) when the power
level of the power supply 26 is below the first prescribed power
level (i.e., YES in step S3). A second control method is performed
by the main control unit 20 transmitting a first or front gear
shift signal to the FD microcomputer 36 in response to operation of
the shifting switches 12a and 12b (e.g., the first gear shift
operating device) when the power level of the power supply 26 is
above the first prescribed power level (i.e., NO in step S3), and
stopping transmission of the first or front gear shift signal to
the FD microcomputer 36 when the power level of the power supply 26
is below the first prescribed power level (i.e., YES in step S3). A
third control method is performed by main control unit 20 receiving
a transmission of a first or front gear shift signal from the
shifting switches 12a and 12b (e.g., the first gear shift operating
device) in response to operation of the shifting switches 12a and
12b (e.g., the first gear shift operating device) when the power
level of the power supply 26 is above the first prescribed power
level (i.e., NO in step S3), and the main control unit 20 disrupts
transmission of the first or front gear shift signal to the main
control unit 20 when the power level of the power supply 26 is
below the first prescribed power level (i.e., YES in step S3). A
fourth control method is performed by the main control unit 20
supplying power to the shifting switches 12a and 12b (e.g., the
first gear shift operating device) when the power level of the
power supply 26 is above the first prescribed power level (i.e., NO
in step S3), and stopping the supply of power to the shifting
switches 12a and 12b (e.g., the first gear shift operating device)
when the power level of the power supply 26 is below the first
prescribed power level (i.e., YES in step S3). A fifth control
method is performed by the main control unit 20 supplying power to
the front derailleur 16 (e.g., first gear shifting device) when the
power level of the power supply 26 is above the first prescribed
power level (i.e., NO in step S3), and stopping the supply of power
to the front derailleur 16 (e.g., first gear shifting device) when
the power level of the power supply 26 is below the first
prescribed power level (i.e., YES in step S3).
[0043] In step S5, the bicycle shifting controller determines if
the power (voltage) level of the power supply 26 is below the
second prescribed power level. If the power (voltage) level is
below the second prescribed power level, then the process proceeds
to step S6. However, in step S5, if the bicycle shifting controller
determines the power (voltage) level of the power supply 26 is not
below the second prescribed power level, then the process returns
to the beginning to start again at the next prescribed time
interval.
[0044] In step S6, the rear derailleur 18 is set by the bicycle
shifting controller to a predetermined gear (e.g., second gear,
third gear, etc.) as needed and or desired stopped. Then the
process proceeds to step S7 where the rear derailleur 18 is stopped
and then the process returns to the beginning to start again at the
next prescribed time interval.
[0045] In step S7, stopping rear shifting is similar to stopping
the front shifting, as discussed above. In other words, the
stopping rear shifting can be accomplished by: (1) the RD
microcomputer 46 not operating the motor driver 42 and the motor 40
even though a rear shifting signal has been received by the RD
microcomputer 46; (2) the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit
20 not outputting the rear shifting signal to the RD microcomputer
46 of the rear derailleur 18, even though a rear shifting signal
has been received by the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit
20; (3) the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit 20 stopping
the transmission of the rear shifting signals from the rear
shifting switches 14a and 14b, even though the rear shifting
switches 14a and 14b are operated; (4) the microcomputer 60 in the
main control unit 20 stopping the supply of power to the rear
shifter 14; and (5) the microcomputer 60 in the main control unit
20 stopping the supply of power to the rear derailleur 18.
[0046] After step S7, the process returns to the beginning to start
again at the next prescribed time interval.
[0047] Basically, a bicycle shifting method is conducted by:
detecting the power level of the power supply 26 that supplies
electrical energy to operate an electric first gear shifting device
(e.g., one of the derailleurs 16 and 18) in response to operation
of a first gear shift operating device (e.g., one of the shifters
12 and 14), and that supplies electrical energy to operate an
electric second gear shifting device (e.g., the other of the
derailleurs 16 and 18) in response to operation of a second gear
shift operating device (e.g., the other of the shifters 12 and 14);
and stopping the electrical energy from being supplied to the first
gear shifting device in response to operation of the first gear
shift operating device upon detecting the power level of the power
supply 26 is below the first prescribed power level, while still
transmitting a second gear shift signal from the second gear shift
operating device to the second gear shifting device to perform a
second shifting operation in the second gear shifting device.
General Interpretation of Terms
[0048] In understanding the scope of the present invention, the
term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended
to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated
features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but
do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements,
components, groups, integers and/or steps. The foregoing also
applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms,
"including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, the terms
"part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in
the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a
plurality of parts. Finally, terms of degree such as
"substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a
reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the
end result is not significantly changed.
[0049] While only selected embodiments have been chosen to
illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and
modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope
of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example,
the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components
can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown
directly connected or contacting each other can have intermediate
structures disposed between them. The functions of one element can
be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures and functions
of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It is not
necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular
embodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from the
prior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should
be considered a separate description of further inventions by the
applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts
embodied by such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of
the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for
illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the
invention as defined by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *